Dell PowerConnect Switches [EOL] Reviews

Dell PowerConnect Switches are primarily used at the distribution layer, but as the product evolved, higher models became available. These newer models can function closer to the core network or the backbone.

I have used these switches in banks and government hospitals in Nigeria. They are also deployed in universities and SMEs.

The tool is very user-friendly, with features catering to beginners and advanced users. For beginners, there are models with interactive and easy-to-navigate GUIs that aid in initial deployment and updates. For advanced users, there is the option to use the CLI.

Some proprietary commands available in Cisco are preferred by users accustomed to Cisco systems. These users might hesitate to switch because they want to continue using familiar commands and see their work on the new system. Although Dell PowerConnect switches support many industry standards, vendor-specific proprietary commands still differ between OEMs like Cisco, HP, and IBM.

It is designed to accommodate industry standards and ensure vendor compatibility. This approach would create a more seamless transition for users, allowing them to use familiar commands across different devices.

Intellectual property issues or policies might restrict this kind of implementation, but offering the ability to use proprietary commands from various vendors on a single device would provide a competitive edge and a better overall solution for users.

I rate the solution’s stability an eight out of ten.

The solution is scalable. 500 users are using this solution. It offers scalability and room for expansion through modular designs. They include chassis-based switches that can be expanded with additional Dell modules. These switches are ideal for data centers where space and cooling are not major concerns, allowing for significant growth and flexibility. While other brands of modular switches, such as Falcon Elite, are available. However, due to the bulkiness and higher demands for power and cooling, these chassis-based switches may not be the best fit for data centers with limited space and resources.

Support for Dell PowerConnect Switches is generally good, but there's room for improvement. Sometimes, the support process involves redundant steps, and the severity of the case can affect the responsiveness. When an engineer is finally assigned, the approach is very procedural, often requiring a detailed description of the issue in the ticket. Ideally, the initial conversation should quickly cover the requirements and the problem within a few minutes. If a fix is readily available, it should be applied immediately, and if further action is needed, it should be addressed.

The initial setup is easy and takes 10-15 minutes for a beginner to complete. It can be deployed using CLI or connected apps. Since I have experience, it took seven minutes to deploy.

The solution is cheaper than Cisco.

Dell PowerConnect Switches offer advanced segmentation, traffic suppression, and bandwidth based on requirements. They provide a level of security that ensures Application A cannot communicate with Application B. This is achieved by isolating applications on dedicated VLANs, ensuring they do not share resources. This is particularly important from a PCI DSS perspective, as sensitive applications must be isolated to prevent data breaches.

The switches support virtual operations, enabling efficient network segmentation. This is especially beneficial for traditional three-tier architecture setups, where web applications, service centers, and applications are each placed on separate VLANs. This logical separation enhances security and performance, making Dell PowerConnect Switches a unique solution for managing network traffic and ensuring secure, efficient operations.

If they want a replacement for their Dell PowerConnect switches, I recommend upgrading to a higher model. A higher model offers improved features and better performance. These newer models come with enhancements and additional capabilities to meet their needs. They can benefit from the latest advancements while maintaining compatibility with their current infrastructure. It's important to remember that it's an open market, so they can choose the best option.

Overall, I rate the solution a seven out of ten.